How did I get here? Well, to make a long story short, I have many severe food allergies that have shaped the way I eat across my lifetime. I've always had to be diligent about the food I consume (where it’s from & how it's made) to avoid eating anything that could make me sick. 

In my 20's, I began shopping at the local farmer's markets and gained an even deeper appreciation for knowing where my food came from. As a fitness professional, it was easy for me to see the benefits of eating high quality protein, and I found that one of the best ways to source that was by shopping from the many local farms here in Virginia. 

My interest in wellness combined with my desire to know my food’s origins, as well as a concern for animal welfare, led me to seek a "know your farmer" experience as often as possible. 

In late 2020, we were presented with an opportunity to take over a cattle operation from our dear farmer, and friend, Jim, who was planning his retirement. With the impending closure of my fitness studio (Ascend Cycle), I decided to take on this challenge and new venture in hopes that I can share my love and appreciation for farm-raised foods and carry-on Jim’s legacy. 

My vision for Villacaro Farms is to produce highly nutritious animal proteins by employing intentional farming practices while prioritizing the welfare of our livestock, the soil, and the environment on our farm. 

Meet My Family.

We are Kat, Joe, Alexander, Anna Victoria & Isabella Zajac. We are passionate about health, family, and eating locally and sustainably grown (and delicious!) food. 

Kat has spent her career in the healthcare and fitness industries. She owned Ascend Cycle and the Ascend Lift Lab in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria. Ascend was a mainstay of the Alexandria wellness scene for over six years, and was awarded numerous Best of NOVA and other accolades. Prior to opening Ascend, Kat worked in healthcare. When it comes to customer relations, Kat believes in the importance of quality, honesty & humility. Villacaro Farms has an open-door policy to facilitate a true farm-to-table experience - Just like the experience that was monumental for Kat and her family before getting into farming. Contact Kat with your questions or to schedule a farm tour.

Kat is dedicated to providing animal-based proteins that you can trust to nourish yourself and your family. The decisions she makes, from animals’ welfare, to nutrition, to lifestyle, are all with one goal in mind - raise healthy animals that provide healthy meat. Villacaro Farms products are enjoyed by Kat and her family daily!

About Our Farm:

Our main farm is located on 220+ acres in Tom’s Brook, Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley, approximately 70 miles west of Washington DC.

The farm itself has a rich cultural history - it dates back to the 1700s and was the site of Civil War battles; it is believed the farmhouse was used as a Union headquarters. Our farm also has conservation easements which protect the wetlands and wooded areas with a priority to restore wildlife habitats and protect the flora native to the area.

Some of our herd continues to reside at Jim’s River Jordan Farm in Rappahannock County while we transition the herd to our farm full-time. Follow us on Instagram for more about our farm!